Showing posts with label . Show all posts
Showing posts with label . Show all posts

Friday, 28 August 2026

GOOD GOOD GOLF WITHDRAWAL FROM TITLE SPONSORING PGA TOUR EVENT AFTER CONTROVERSIAL AD PROMOTING NEW CALLOWWAY DRIVER

Content creators Good Good Golf pull out of title sponsoring PGA Tour event in November, saying "we recognise that we have work to do as an organisation"; Brand apologised for publishing a video for a Callaway driver last week that has been accused of portraying violence against women


The PGA Tour agrees with Good Good Golf's 'decision to use this time to focus on their organisation and the work ahead'


Good Good Golf has withdrawn from sponsoring a PGA Tour event this autumn following its controversial video promoting a new Callaway driver.

The video published last week by the popular content creators was subsequently deleted after widespread criticism that it portrayed violence against women.

The video showed a man shoving a woman who was reaching for his new Callaway driver to the ground, before warning her not to touch the club as she lay on the ground.

Good Good Golf apologised in a social media statement and Callaway Golf admitted 'mistakes were made' over their handling of the incident.

The company had been due to title sponsor a new PGA Tour event in Austin in November but have now pulled out of doing so.

In a statement on Thursday, Good Good Golf said: "After thoughtful discussion with the PGA Tour and careful reflection, we have decided to step away as sponsor of the tour event in Austin this fall.

"We recognise that we have work to do as an organisation, and our focus right now is on our team, our culture and ensuring we learn from this situation.



"We are grateful for our relationship with the PGA Tour and appreciate their partnership over the years. We remain committed to earning back trust, and we hope to work together again in the future."

The PGA Tour issued its own statement and said it agreed with the decision.

"The PGA Tour has been informed of Good Good Golf's decision to step away as sponsor of the event in Austin, Texas, this fall," read the statement.

"We agree with their decision to use this time to focus on their organization and the work ahead.

"The PGA Tour believes in golf's ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all.

"The tournament will continue as scheduled from November 12-15, 2026, and we will provide an update on sponsorship plans at a later date."



Callaway cuts ties with Good Good

Earlier on Thursday, Callaway confirmed it had ended its relationship with Good Good with immediate effect.

The golf equipment manufacturer said it would donate $1m (£736,000) to "support organisations working to prevent violence against women, provide resources to survivors, and advance education and awareness efforts".

They also said they had "significantly strengthened our approval procedures to help ensure this does not happen again".

"Over the last several days, we have reflected deeply on the hurt and disappointment caused by the video we reposted," read the Callaway statement.

"We heard from individuals who shared personal experiences related to violence against women, and their stories were powerful reminders that this issue touches the lives of far too many people.



"Unequivocally, violence against women is unacceptable and should never be trivialised, normalised, or used as entertainment."

Good Good Golf was launched as a YouTube channel in 2020 and now is among the largest content creators in the sport.

"We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand," read the Good Good apology on X on Saturday. "We have since taken that content down, and sincerely apologise.

"Good Good has always stood for making the game of golf more inclusive to all, and we will continue to ensure that is our mission moving forward".

- Sky Sports

Saturday, 15 August 2026

CONCERNING TOMMY FLEETWOOD STAT EMERGES AT FEDEX ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Getty 


Tommy Fleetwood enters the weekend at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in contention, but one statistic has become a concern after two rounds at TPC Southwind. The Englishman has produced an elite all-around performance in Memphis, ranking among the best players in several key categories, but his putting numbers have prevented him from keeping pace with Scottie Scheffler’s record-setting start.

Fleetwood sits five shots behind Scheffler after opening rounds of 66 and 68, while Scheffler leads the tournament after following a first-round 68 with a second-round 61. Fleetwood has played strong golf from tee to green, but his struggles on the greens have created a challenge as he attempts to close the gap during the final two rounds of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup playoff opener.

After his second round, Fleetwood acknowledged the difficulty of chasing Scheffler but focused on controlling his own game. “What can we do about Scottie Scheffler? Just go out there and try to manage your game as best as possible. Shoot the best score you can and see what happens,” Fleetwood said.

Tommy Fleetwood Putting Numbers Raise Concern at FedEx St. Jude Championship

Through two rounds at TPC Southwind, Fleetwood’s putting has been the weakest part of an otherwise impressive statistical profile.

He is ranked 51st in strokes gained putting this week and has lost 1.022 strokes to the field on the greens.

The issue stands out because the rest of his game has been among the strongest in the tournament. Fleetwood ranks third in strokes gained off the tee, second around the green and 27th in strokes gained approach.

His ball-striking and short game have placed him in a strong position, but his putting performance has limited his ability to challenge Scheffler’s lead.

Fleetwood has not won on the PGA Tour this season, and his path to victory became more difficult after Scheffler’s second-round 61.

To have a chance at catching the world No. 1, Fleetwood will likely need two low rounds, with scores around 65 or better, while also improving on the greens.

Martin also noted Fleetwood’s statistical performance, writing that “the one part of his game that hasn’t been in tip-top shape this week is his putting.”

The third round will provide Fleetwood another opportunity to close the gap, but his putting will be a key factor if he hopes to turn his strong overall play into a serious challenge.

Scottie Scheffler Builds Lead as FedEx St. Jude Championship Moves Into Weekend


Scottie Scheffler of the United States. Getty


Scheffler enters the weekend in control of the FedEx St. Jude Championship after a remarkable second round at TPC Southwind.

His 9-under 61 moved him to the top of the leaderboard and created a significant challenge for players chasing him.

The leaderboard shows Scheffler at 11 under after 36 holes, with Sungjae Im and Viktor Hovland tied for second at 8 under.

Fleetwood is part of a group at 6 under, alongside players including Nico Echavarria and Tom Kim.

Scheffler’s position has forced contenders like Fleetwood to focus on producing low scores while maintaining consistency.

Fleetwood, who tied for third at last year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, entered this week with confidence after strong recent performances around TPC Southwind.

Reflecting on his comfort at the venue, Fleetwood noted after the opening round, “I’ve had two or three really good results around here. I was obviously playing very, very well last year. I put myself in a good position.”

Fleetwood will begin the third round paired with Nico Echavarria, with both players looking to move closer to Scheffler.

As the FedExCup playoffs continue, Fleetwood’s ability to improve his putting could determine whether his strong tee-to-green performance becomes a realistic title challenge.

- Debayan Biswas

Thursday, 13 August 2026

TAYLORMADE HI-TOE 5 WEDGES GO FORGED

Once upon a time, it seemed like every golf equipment entity was jumping into the high-toe full-faced wedge segment, making it feel a lot like the style was destined to become a permanent part of the wedge market. While the trend might not draw the same sort of prevalence or emotional reactions that it once did, the design is certainly here to stay, and TaylorMade is at the forefront.   

In fact, today’s introduction of the all-new Hi-Toe 5 wedges marks what might be the most evolved version of the concept that we have seen, with things having changed significantly since their debut way back in 2018.  

The Hi-Toe 5 takes a page out of their traditionally shaped brethren’s playbook by going fully forged, a move that has made TaylorMade’s MG5 the #1 Forged Wedge in Golf. By creating continuity across their wedges in both finish and feel, the brand believes that the Hi-Toe design might just enter an all new era of relevance.  

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5: Designed to be Different  

If you have been around as long as some of us, then you undoubtedly remember the wild trends on Tour that led to the high toe wedge finding its way into the bags of golfers everywhere. However, for those of you who are more recent into the ever changing golf equipment scene, the Hi-Toe was an answer by TaylorMade to the emergence of the PM Grind as well as a surprising resurgence of the EYE2 wedges. 



The shaping itself combined with the unique sole geometry that it allowed compared to traditionally shaped bladed wedges meant an opportunity for a massive amount of greenside and bunker playability. However, at that time, it also meant not winning any beauty pageants.  

Fresh off the heels of debuting the MG wedges and finding new levels of success in the segment, TaylorMade looked at the trend and thought that their Milled Grind platform could allow them to do it in a much cleaner way. They were right, as the Hi-Toe set the tone for what the shaping could be, with many manufacturers following suit to create more visually complete high-toe and full-face options that you weren’t ashamed to be seen at the course with.  

Forging the Future of TaylorMade Wedges 

The decision to take the Hi-Toe 5 into the world of forged construction was done as much for the allure that such construction has over golfers as it was to unify the two wedge lines (MG5 and Hi-Toe 5) together. By forging both wedge shapes from soft carbon steel, you not only get the “feel” aspect, but also continuity and the potential to increase blending comfort for those who desire it.  



Naturally, the discussion of just how beneficial, or not, having a wedge be forged varies from company to company. Those who offer it claim it is superior, while at the same time the most played wedge in golf remains cast. Unsurprisingly, TaylorMade is a big believer in the decision to go forged and the potential it brings to the table for them. No matter if it is better or not, forged wedges will wear faster than cast, so that is certainly something to keep in mind.  

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Face Technology

Saw Grooves and Spin Tread

Even with being a fully forged design, the Hi-Toe 5 is also keeping the marquee wedge technologies that TaylorMade has created over the five generations of Milled Grind. When it comes to the face, raw remains the name of the game, removing the plating between the ball and grooves, which is what maximizes spin, but can allow for faster wear.  



Each Hi-Toe 5 face also features TaylorMade’s Saw Grooves from heel to toe across the entirety of the surface. This saw milling of grooves means that the engineers have been able to create steeper sidewalls with a sharper internal radius than conventional methods. Combined with the Spin Tread technology, which laser etches micro channels on the face, the design is intended to improve surface friction as well as debris/moisture removal, creating a recipe for spin maximization as well as consistency.  

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Grinds

There is a total of five different grinds available across lofts from 50 degrees all the way up to 60. What was once considered by some to be a one trick pony is now a design which can be carried in all of your wedges, if you choose.  



The decision to offer so many grinds though is not just to get as many wedges into bags as possible, but to ensure there is something for whatever combination of swing, turf, or playing style golfers throw at the designs.  

Naturally, it makes sense to take a closer look at just what each grind brings to the table: 


ATS Grind


This is TaylorMade’s core grind, and their most popular. Think of it as the yeoman’s grind, doing work that fits the widest variety of styles and skills. The key is in a four-way cambered sole that allows open and closed face versatility without sacrificing square faced playability.  

TaylorMade is offering the ATS in 50.09, 52.09, 54.10, 56.10, 58.10, and 60.10 loft options.  

 

ATV Grind




The ATV grind does indeed get its name from “All Terrain Versatility” and one of the most unique wedge lines the brand ever released. The shaping of the sole is concave with an asymmetric bounce which is mid-to-high on square shots, but lower when opened up. It also has beveled leading edge to minimize turf interaction prior to impact.

As for lofts, the ATV is offered only in lob wedge lofts 58.11 and 60.11.    

 

ATW Grind




If you are a golfer who loves effective bounce and knows how to use it, then the ATW might just be the one to look at when it comes to Hi-Toe 5. This sole is all about forgiveness, especially in softer conditions or as a bunker club for those who want straightforward playability.  

The ATW is offered in sand and lob with 56.14 and 60.14 lofts.  

 

ATX Grind




Perhaps the most complex sole design of the five, the ATX is a mid-high bounce but uses three different sole ledges that work in sequence according to TaylorMade. Translation? The leading edge offers forgiveness for steeper swings, the center ledge stabilizes the head through impact, and a more narrow trailing edge ensures the wedge exits the turf as quickly as possible.  

Like the ATV, the ATX is offered in a duo of lob wedge lofts, here though that means a touch more bounce at 58.12 and 60.12.  

 

ATC Grind



Finally, the ATC is unique in a couple of ways. First, it is a low bounce shaping that has a reverse-C trailing edge and much narrower overall sole width to improve playability on tighter lies with shallower angles of attack. Second, it is a custom order only grind that will not be stocked in stores.  

The ATC can be ordered in 58.08 and 60.08. 

 

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Pricing and Availability  

Each Hi-Toe wedge is paired with the KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g Black or UST Mamiya Recoil DART 80g as standard shaft options. The iconic Aged Copper finish will be the retail option, while custom orders will be able to request Satin Chrome.  

As has become standard for the brand, there will be a MyHi-Toe 5 program that will bring virtually limitless aesthetic customization to your fingertips, as well as some unique finish options like raw and charcoal black.  

For both the Hi-Toe 5 and MyHi-Toe 5, pre-orders begin on 8/6/2026 with product at retail beginning 9/3/2026. The standard versions will be priced at $199.99 while the MyHi-Toe 5 wedges will start at $249.99.  

For more information be sure to visit TaylorMadeGolf.com

- James Miles

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

ASIA TOUR SEVERS LIV GOLF TIES, SIGNS DEAL WITH PGA TOUR, DP WORLD TOUR

New partnership to run through 2029 at least, DP World Tour to return to co-sanctioning events in the region


Taichi Kho won the International Series event in Morocco in June, but there are now doubts about the circuit’s future. Photo: Asian Tour


The Asian Tour has cut ties with LIV Golf and signed a partnership agreement with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in another shake-up of the game globally.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the three organisations said the deal would run “through until at least 2029”, and hailed the start of a “new chapter for global golf”.

The partnership would be “effectively immediately”, the statement said, adding it would establish pathways for the leading players on the Asian Tour, and would see the DP World Tour return to co-sanctioning events in the region.

More to follow...

- Josh Ball, SouthChina Morning Post

Saturday, 18 July 2026

RYAN FOX MATCHES MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD WITH A 62 IN THE BRITISH OPEN


Ryan Fox has joined the list of players with a major championship scoring record


Ryan Fox of New Zealand acknowledges the crowd on the 188th green after completing his third round during the third day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)


SOUTHPORT, England — Ryan Fox added his name Saturday to the growing list of players who share the major championship scoring record when he became the third player this week with a record-tying 62 in the British Open at Royal Birkdale .

Fox started early with barely a trace of wind, and he took advantage. He made five birdies on the front nine, and birdied two of his last three holes for 62 on the par-70 Birkdale links. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns each had 62 some 20 minutes apart on Friday.

There now have been eight rounds of 62 in major championship history, half of them at Royal Birkdale. Branden Grace was the first to set the record with a 62 at Royal Birkdale in 2017.

Fox was in a pot bunker off the fairway on the 18th and still managed to find the green, leaving a birdie putt of nearly 50 feet for a 61. He left it short by about 5 feet and holed the par putt.

“When I got to 6 under through 14 I thought, ‘Oh, I’ve got a chance.’ I would have liked to give myself a birdie chance at the last, but happy to make par,” Fox said.

He played alongside Xander Schauffele, the only player with 62 twice in a major. Schauffele and Rickie Fowler each shot 62 in the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club — like Herbert and Burns, they were playing two groups apart — and Schauffele and Shane Lowry each shot 62 in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Haeran Ryu set the record in women's majors last week with a 60 in the final round of the Evian Championship, which has yielded all the top scores in LPGA majors since it was designated one 13 years ago.

Schauffele is the only player with 62 in a major to win. Fox, who made the cut with one shot to spared, finished atop the leaderboard with Herbert, who was still more than an hour away from teeing off in the third round.

The links have rarely been this brown and fast, but it’s the wind — or lack of it — that has allowed for such low scoring this week.

Fox, one of the strongest players in golf with his rugby heritage, leaned on his driver for much of the round and set up good scoring chances.

“The game plan was to be aggressive,” Fox said. “I was aggressive on a lot of good wedge shots. Pretty happy with 62 at the end.”

All but one of his nine birdies — Fox made his lone bogey on the 13th with a drive into a pot bunker — came from about 10 feet or closer. His drive on the 321-yard fifth hole was about 30 feet from the hole, and his most important shot was a wedge from the rough on the par-5 17th that rolled out to about 4 feet.

Herbert also had a bogey on his card during his 62 on Friday.

There have been weeks of soft conditions or little wind — two elements that lead to low scores — at previous majors. Seven major courses — three of them links courses — have yielded two rounds of 63 or lower in the same championship.

Royal Birkdale is the first to give up three of them — with half of the field Saturday and the final round still to come.

- Doug Ferguson | AP

2026 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP:: BRYSON DECHAMBEAU ASSED FOR 2-STROKE PENALTY


 

ROUND TWO | THE 154TH OPEN AT ROYAL BIRKDALE


 

ROUND ONE HIGHLIGHTS | THE 154TH OPEN AT ROYAL BIRKDALE